Narrative:

Air carrier X was cleared to land on runway 6. Another air carrier was on the visual approach following air carrier X. As air carrier X touched down and began his roll out; the other air carrier was on a 1 1/2 to 2 mile final. I instructed air carrier X to 'turn right on F6; no delay; traffic on a 1 1/2 mile final'. Air carrier X responded 'right on F6 and we'll hurry it up'. I observed air carrier X turning right on F5; which is a reverse intersection. For aircraft to turn off of runway 6 onto F5; they have to come almost to a complete stop. Air carrier X cleared the runway while the other air carrier was still on a 1/2 mile final and there was never any issue keeping the two aircraft separated. Neither pilot commented that it was too close for comfort. The issue is that this happens all too often. The signs for F5/F6 are very confusing to pilots. You never know which intersection the pilots will exit when you tell them to 'turn right at F6'. Too much room for error that could cause an issue down the road. Recommendation; airport operations is aware of our issue with the signs. They claim it is within the FAA regulations and that no change is needed. They say the signs are not confusing. The signs need to be changed. The controllers will always watch for this and it will most likely never be a problem; but that is no reason not to change an issue. When it comes to exiting the runway; there should be no confusion or room for confusion about which intersection to exit on.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: RSW Controller voiced concern regarding the confusion frequently experienced during runway exits at Taxiway F6; noting the signs for Taxiway F5/F6 are the complicating issue.

Narrative: Air Carrier X was cleared to land on Runway 6. Another Air Carrier was on the visual approach following Air Carrier X. As Air Carrier X touched down and began his roll out; the other Air Carrier was on a 1 1/2 to 2 mile final. I instructed Air Carrier X to 'turn right on F6; no delay; traffic on a 1 1/2 mile final'. Air Carrier X responded 'right on F6 and we'll hurry it up'. I observed Air Carrier X turning right on F5; which is a reverse intersection. For aircraft to turn off of Runway 6 onto F5; they have to come almost to a complete stop. Air Carrier X cleared the runway while the other Air Carrier was still on a 1/2 mile final and there was never any issue keeping the two aircraft separated. Neither pilot commented that it was too close for comfort. The issue is that this happens all too often. The signs for F5/F6 are very confusing to pilots. You never know which intersection the pilots will exit when you tell them to 'turn right at F6'. Too much room for error that could cause an issue down the road. Recommendation; Airport Operations is aware of our issue with the signs. They claim it is within the FAA regulations and that no change is needed. They say the signs are not confusing. The signs need to be changed. The Controllers will always watch for this and it will most likely never be a problem; but that is no reason not to change an issue. When it comes to exiting the runway; there should be no confusion or room for confusion about which intersection to exit on.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.